Alarming video shows moment man is nearly hit by a train as he crosses tracks

Shocking footage shows the moment a man was very nearly hit by a speeding train as he casually crossed the tracks.

Just as we're meant to on the roads, pedestrians at level crossings should always follow the basic safety rules: stop, look, listen and follow the signs and instructions.

Unfortunately, a number of people die every year when they fail to do so. And the man in this video was just seconds away from suffering the same fate.

The alarming video was captured by the train's onboard cameras, showing the pedestrian, who hasn't been identified, casually walking across the tracks in Runcorn, Cheshire.

Although this particular crossing displays a red warning light when it's unsafe to cross, for some reason he decided to ignore it.

According to the Network Rail, the London Euston to Glasgow service vehicle was forced to come to an emergency stop to avoid hitting the man.

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The heart-stopping clip demonstrates how he was just inches away from being taken out by the speeding train, which at this section of the line would have been running at 12mph.

It is now being shared in a bid to remind others to follow level crossing guidelines.

Lucy Jordan, Network Rail's North West head of safety, explained that the incident, which unfolded on 18 January, could have 'led to tragedy'.

She said: "When I see footage like this it always make my heart stop.

"The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for this man and I can’t downplay the danger he was in.

"It’s important for Network Rail to share this video as a strong warning to others and to remind them of our level crossing rules.

"No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the signage in place and if there are warning lights, always stop when they display red."

Jordan added: "It just isn’t worth the risk."

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Adding to this, Dave Whitehouse, Avanti West Coast safety and security director, said the footage is a 'stark reminder' to be 'aware of your surroundings'.

He said: "This footage serves as a stark reminder to be aware of your surroundings near the railways whether it’s at a level crossing or at a station.

"Although the man involved escaped serious injury, this shows it’s only takes a split second to make the wrong decision for it to end in tragedy."